Boro hope to keep Downing
04 Feb 2008 - 08:07:21
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate insists he has not given up hope of keeping England international Stewart Downing at the Riverside Stadium.
The 23-year-old's agent is keen for his client to leave Teesside after new contract talks with the club came to an acrimonious end.
However, Southgate remains confident the winger will have a change of heart, saying after his side's 1-1 draw with Newcastle United: "I don't know how many times I've said it but I don't think he realises how good he can be.
"He had to recover from the disappointment the night before a game of being left out of the (England) squad.
"To cope with that and go out to play today - and he nearly scored the winner for us when he hit the post.
"He's a fantastic player. I think the world of him. He's great to work with. He's exactly the sort of character we want at the club and that we want to build the club up around.
"I still firmly believe he loves playing his football for us."